NEED Student Leadership
BACKGROUND
The NEED Project recognizes student leadership by awarding the Youth Energy Leadership Award each year to up to two students who have demonstrated outstanding energy leadership, knowledge, and an interest in continuing their energy studies for the purpose of seeking a career in energy, STEM, or education. Each year, at least one award will be given to a student who plans to enter the energy field or public service related to energy. Select award winners will receive a $1,500 check for use for college, university or technical school tuition and expenses.
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
This award is designed to honor students demonstrating effective leadership skills and energy knowledge throughout their association with NEED.
The following are examples of traits the award committee will consider as it chooses recipients of the awards:
- An effective leader who leads by example and is well respected by his or her peers.
- An encouraging facilitator who serves as a team leader.
- A leader who creates excitement and motivates others to accomplish great things.
- A leader who demonstrates energy awareness at home, school and in the community and educates others about energy.
- A student who is knowledgeable about energy and has taken the time to not only be a leader of energy activities but has developed a knowledge base about energy and important energy issues.
- Graduating high school seniors or current first or second year college, university or technical school students.
- A student showing interest in pursuing a career in the energy, STEM or education field.
2027 NEED Youth Energy Leadership Award
Please review the PDF application outline before proceeding online. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are due by April 30, 2027. Any questions, please email info@need.org.
2026 Youth Energy Leadership Award Recipients
NEED congratulates Mariame Diagana, Olive Long, and Scarlet Winegeart on receiving the 2026 Youth Energy Leadership Award!
Mariame Diagana
Mariame Diagana plans to attend Wake Forest University to pursue a degree in business. Mariame is a valued returning member of NEED’s Youth Awards Staff, bringing incredible energy, enthusiasm, and passion to the team each year. She shared how her involvement with NEED helped shape the way she thinks about energy, teamwork, communication, and personal responsibility. Throughout high school, Mariame stayed actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, serving as Community Service Club Co-Leader, participating in Environmental Action Club, and working on media staff as a photographer for her school publication. She also balanced varsity volleyball and creative work as a social media content creator. NEED is proud to recognize Mariame’s leadership, dedication, and positive impact as a 2026 award recipient.
Olive Long
Olive Long is currently attending Galveston College to pursue a degree in Museum Studies. Olive has been a longtime member of NEED’s Youth Awards Staff and has assisted with numerous NEED workshops, conferences, programs, and events over the years. Her dedication, leadership, energy knowledge, and enthusiasm for educating others have made a lasting impact on both NEED and the many students and educators she has worked with. Beyond her involvement with NEED, Olive has worked to make a difference in her local community by leading beach cleanups and organizing recycling efforts at her local farmer’s market. NEED is proud to recognize Olive’s continued commitment to service, sustainability, and energy education as a 2026 award recipient.
Scarlet Winegeart
Scarlet Winegeart has been accepted to attend McNeese State University to pursue a degree in the medical field. Scarlet has been a dedicated member of NEED’s Youth Awards Staff for many years. She shared how her involvement with NEED strengthened her awareness of energy efficiency, conservation, and personal responsibility, while encouraging her to apply that knowledge in meaningful ways to educate and inspire others to think more carefully about sustainability and energy use. Beyond her energy education and community outreach, Scarlet stayed active throughout high school in Robotics, Swim Team, ASL Club, and ProStart Culinary for the past two years, while also serving as president of her school’s science club. It has been wonderful to watch her growth over the years, and NEED is thrilled to recognize her as a 2026 award recipient.
Congratulations to these extraordinary young people. NEED can’t wait to see what their future brings!
Past Youth Leadership Award Winners:
1994 Doug Blemker
1995 Josh Rising
1996 Judith Elekes
1997 Matt Steele & Tiffany Bonner
1998 Emily Thomas
1999 Heather Brouillet
2000 Heidi Nees
2001 Rebecca Lamb
2002 Justin Paschall
2003 Brian Bosso & Mary Mazarolli
2004 Megan Thoma & David Graham
2005 Jennifer Robinson, Caterina Spaziano, & Chrissy Edwards
2006 Roxie Brown & Michelle Lamb
2007 Whitney Newman & Jake Kesner
2008 Ryan Flynn
2009 Casey O’Connor
2010 Erin Shoaf
2011 Rachael Spencer & Amanda Ramirez Sebree
2012 Alysha Anderson
2013 Brooke Reagan
2014 Ian Munn & Amber Lipsky
2015 Janelli Pineda
2016 Alton Gayton & Laurel Hughes
2017 Diane Wei
2018 Erin Baer & Edmond Gayton
2019 Aidan Kotoski & Jennifer Wei
2020 Mariam Conde, Erin Keene, Patrick Keene, Chira Noce, & Chloe Weiss
2021 Grace Beatty, Jayden Chan, Colleen Keene, & Teegan Mathey
2022 Carolyn Lee
2023 Aiden Dowling & Cheyanne Higgins
2024 Laura Sofía Pardo Arévalo & Vick Mahindru
2025 Josh Janowick & Abigail John